John Rich named Trump’s Special Envoy for American Landowners

WASHINGTON, DC: Country music star John Rich is taking his support for President Donald Trump to a new level after accepting an official role within the administration.

The singer announced on Monday, June 8, that he has been named Special Envoy for American Landowners. This position will see him advocate for farmers, ranchers, and property owners across the country.

The announcement was formally confirmed on Wednesday, June 10, when the US Department of Agriculture released a statement detailing Rich's responsibilities and the administration's expectations for the newly created position.

John Rich says he will defend farmers, ranchers, and property owners

In his social media announcement, Rich said he intends to serve as a voice for Americans who feel their property rights are under pressure.

"President Trump has afforded me the great honor to serve in his administration as the 'Special Envoy for American Landowners,'" Rich wrote on X.

The country singer explained that a major part of his mission will involve protecting landowners from organizations and groups he believes are working against their interests.

"In this role, I look forward to representing and advocating for landowners' rights against any entity that chooses to harass or intimidate them in an effort to achieve goals contrary to those of the President. I look forward to defending our farmers and ranchers." 

According to the USDA announcement, Rich will work closely with agency leadership and stakeholders to ensure property owners have a stronger voice when decisions affecting their land and communities are being made.

The department also said a major focus of Rich's work will involve advocating for landowners facing pressure connected to large-scale solar and wind energy developments that could impact productive farmland, ranchland, and rural livelihoods.

USDA leadership praises John Rich's commitment to rural America

US Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins welcomed Rich into the administration and praised his long-standing support for rural communities.

"America's farmers, ranchers, and landowners are among the greatest stewards of our nation's resources and the backbone of our rural communities," Rollins said in the USDA release.

She also stressed the administration's position on private property rights.

"President Trump understands that private property rights are fundamental to the American way of life. John Rich has long been a champion for rural America, and I look forward to working alongside him as we continue fighting for the people who feed, fuel, and clothe our nation."

The appointment reflects Rich's years of outspoken support for conservative causes and his close alignment with Trump on a variety of political issues.

Over the years, Rich has frequently used interviews, social media, and public appearances to discuss politics, often defending free speech and criticizing what he sees as growing pressure on artists to remain silent about their beliefs.

John Rich previously spoke about politics and free speech in country music

Earlier this year, Rich discussed the changing political climate within country music during an appearance on ‘The Rubin Report’.

Reflecting on the state of the industry, Rich argued that more artists have become willing to openly express their views.

"I think when Trump won that second time, and we had been through four years of Biden and what that did to the music industry, what that did to people's livelihoods – I think, coming out the other side of that, you finally saw artists going, 'You know what, enough is enough, I'm putting them up, I'm going to say what I think,'" he said.

Rich also pushed back against the idea that country artists should avoid controversial topics.

"Country music wasn't founded and is not popular because it was founded on the backs of wishy-washy people," he continued. "I mean, it was Johnny Cash and Loretta Lynn and [Merle] Haggard and Willie [Nelson] and Waylon [Jennings] and I mean artists that did not care what you thought about what they had to say."

According to Rich, those artists became legends because they were willing to stand behind their opinions.

"They're like, 'This is what I think. I'm going to put it into a song. You decide if you like it or not.' They became the pillars of country music."

Rich also acknowledged that publicly sharing his views has sometimes come at a personal and professional cost.

"I could give you the tough guy answer and say, I didn't care what they thought. That's not true," he admitted.

The singer explained that he eventually reached a point where he had to decide what mattered more - industry approval or the ability to speak freely.